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Man Faces a Judge in Main Line Model's Murder

Arrested Wednesday in Western Pennsylvania while allegedly trying to flee the state, Jonathan Harris faced a judge in the Philadelphia suburbs Thursday. He is accused of murdering Christina Carlin-Kraft inside her Ardmore home.

(Published Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018)

A man accused of beating and strangling a former model inside her Main Line apartment is back in the Philadelphia suburbs to face a judge after allegedly trying to flee the state.

Jonathan Harris, 30, was arrested Wednesday in the death of Christina Carlin-Kraft, 36. Harris is charged with first-, second and third-degree murder as well as robbery. Officials also say he could face additional charges as they continue to investigate.

Harris, wearing a blue prison jumpsuit and holding a copy of his criminal complaint, was arraigned via video from the Montgomery County Prison in Eagleville Thursday morning. Harris' only words were "yes sir" or "no sir" as Magisterial District Judge Michael Quinn read out the charges.

Since Harris is accused of murder, Quinn ordered that Harris be held without bail ahead of a September preliminary hearing.

Kraft then met Harris near South Broad and 13th streets and the two entered a vehicle a short time later, investigators said.

Kraft and Harris then returned to her Ardmore building shortly after 3 a.m., according to officials. Records indicate the front door of the apartment opened at 3:08 a.m. while the back door leading to the terrace was closed at 5:19 a.m.

Detectives combed Kraft's Ardmore unit and the complex for evidence. They collected surveillance video from nearby businesses. The complex sits adjacent to the Ardmore Farmers Market and Suburban Square.

Police later released surveillance video showing Kraft walking with a man in both Center City and the Main Line.

Surveillance images of a man later identified as Harris. See Larger
Photo credit: Surveillance images released by Montgomery County detectives

On Aug. 28, a concerned citizen contacted police and identified Harris as the man in the surveillance video, investigators said. Police searched through the person's phone and found a text from Harris. The text, which was sent on Aug. 22, at 2:39 a.m., reads "I just met this sexy a** white b**** I'm at her crib in ardmore," according to the affidavit.

The surveillance video and evidence gathered during the investigation led officials to issue a warrant for Harris' arrest.

"I can't get into all of that," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said during an afternoon news conference. "I have not seen any indication that there was any previous relationship or anything along those lines."

Harris faces life in prison for the murder charges. No decision has been made, at this point, if Harris will face the death penalty. He also faces robbery and theft charges that could land him in jail for up to 50 year after police say he stole Kraft's purse.

Police are also searching for a man who they say is not connected to Kraft's murder but instead burglarized her apartment several days before her death.

An arrest warrant was issued for Andre Melton, 31, of Southwest Philadelphia. Police say Melton stole from Kraft's condo on Sibley Avenue and they continue to search for him. He is not considered a suspect or person of interest in her murder, however.

Christina Carlin-Kraft, 36, was found dead inside her Ardmore condo on Aug. 23, 2018. An autopsy found she was strangled. | See Larger
Photo credit: NBC10/Facebook